Tag Archives: Kentland

Valentines

Letter transcription:

February 22, 1965

Dear David and Bonnie:

I hope you have been able to figure your tax. Saturday Marge Janssen went with me to Champaign to see Oliver. Dad was to go, but thought he was too busy to get away. I told him he could go and probably not have a call during that time and that is what happened. However, there was one baby case he felt he didn’t want to leave. Dr. Schoonveld is on vacation and he thought he should stay home. John had gotten tickets for us several weeks ago. Show was held in field house, which looks like a mushroom. I suppose Bob and Lea pointed it out to you when you were there last year. Our seats were near the roof, but I took binoculars along and the sound was good, so I got along fine. We drove home after the show and were back here by 1:15 Saturday AM. John Janssen had washed my car and cleaned it out with a sweeper on the inside. I really felt like I was driving a Cadillac. Then on the way home, about 45 minutes before we arrived in Kent we went through a rain storm and there were several trucks passing and my car looks like I had driven through mud. Lea and Bob had us come to their place for dinner, so Marge and I really had a nice evening.

I stopped to see Mrs. M. last Friday. She was so happy about receiving a valentine and let me read your letter. I make it a point to stop and see her at least once a week. We also were happy to receive a valentine. We had sent valentines to Becky and Kirk and they sent us one. Uncle Jim always sends me a valentine and since that is his birthday, I always send him a card.

I am listening to Das Rheingold. John brought me a record by Anna Russell—the same thing you have on tape. I get a chuckle out of it every time I listen to it.

We have had missionary speakers at our church the past two Sundays. Last night we attended a pot-luck dinner and listened to the missionary speak about her work and show slides. She has been in Chile for a number of years. Last week the speaker was from Korea. He was with us from Sunday through Wednesday.

[page 2] I think Arvella’s sister has gotten permission to take her vacation in Sept., so all is taken care of. She said if Caroline couldn’t take off in Sept., they would do something else. I rather think Ralph will let her off then. I told Arvella either that, or for her to get someone to work for her and she didn’t seem to think much of that idea.

Dad finished the bedroom unit and is working on a unit for my desk. We moved the desk out of your room and he built a wing for the typewriter and adding machine. He still has two drawers to finish before the unit is complete, but I am using it as it.

Love Mother

P.S. Did the visiting D.S. ever call on you? Did I write you about hearing Joan Fields give your address over the phone? She told me it was Dr. Bailey. He was getting the address for the D.S. from South Bend Dist.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/01/29/valentines/

The Smorgasbord

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Letter transcription:

February 13, 1965

Dear David and Bonnie:

I am enclosing the 1964 instructions for (Federal) preparing income tax returns. We took David as a dependent, so you won’t be able to take him. As far as State taxes are concerned I am sure you don’t have to bother with that because you don’t have to pay the State tax if you do not reside in the State. We also used David as a deduction on our State taxes, but since you are living in Mass. and were not making any income while you were in Indiana I am sure you need not bother with it.

The little piece of thread is the yarn I am using to make myself a dress. I am following instructions and using size 2 or 3 needle and it is going so slow that I am about to change patterns and use a larger needle. The size needle I used to make Bonnie’s dress was #8 and it makes a lot of difference.

John Janssen is here today cleaning and waxing the bedroom and bathroom floors. He washed windows last Tuesday evening while we were still having warm weather. We are having a cold wave again, but without snow, for which I am very thankful.

We have decided to go to the west coast in September and have told Arvella she will either have to take her vacation then, or get someone to work for her. I think she has about decided to take Sept. All I know is that I am not going to work for 2 weeks in the office, unless I have to.

There is a missionary speaker from Korea who is going to be at our Church tomorrow morning for the worship service. In the evening there is to be a fellowship dinner. After the service tomorrow morning my class is going to furnish a coffee. I have been on the telephone for the last hour (more or less) getting help lined up to prepare for the serving.

The smorgasbord was somewhat of a failure this week. All I had been asked to do was bring a casserole (lima beans), which I was glad to do since I wasn’t asked to do anything else. Food had been prepared for 450 and 350 (or near that figure) were there, so food for about 100 had to be disposed of after the dinner was over. I had Cosmopolitan Club yesterday afternoon and told them I was going to speak my piece, like it or not. I told them I thought it is time the Church “grew up” and quit trying to raise the Church budget by giving dinners. Mrs. Chidester said if everyone tithed we wouldn’t have to worry about the budget. I told them that was the answer. Well maybe it was a good thing it flopped this year, because they said there wasn’t going to be another, the main reason being they can’t find anyone who will take charge of it. If as much effort was put into getting people to come to Church as was put into the preparation of the smorgasbord I am sure we would have much better attendance.

It is getting late and since the bank closes at noon, I will have to get this wound up and in the mail.

Love Mother

P.S. David’s razor came back and I sent it to you. Hope it arrived in good condition.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/01/28/the-smorgasbord/

Severe Cold Wave

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Letter transcription:

Jan. 29-1965

Dear David & Bonnie,

I just happened to think I didn’t answer one of the questions in your letter. Your Blue Cross Blue Shield expires July 1-1965.

We are having another severe cold wave, but at least it is without snow and ice. Last weekend Mark & Shirley were without electricity 30 hours. They have a gas stove and by keeping the oven going could keep warm. They have had more severe weather this month than has been here. While all the ice was breaking electric and telephone wires, we were just having cloudy skies. From all we heard on the news the Chicago area had a lot of damage.

We haven’t seen Mark’s since Christmas, but they plan to come next weekend. We are planning to go to Champaign Feb. 20^th to see the play “Oliver.” John is getting tickets for us. I just hope that one baby case doesn’t keep Dad home. I plan to go weather permitting and Dad plans to go “if.” Aunt Ruth is back in Wilmington and if Dad can’t go, I may go get her, since John has our tickets purchased.

I have been reading some in Anchor Genesis. It really is full of information—some that is over my head—but much that I do understand. I took the other one (Epistles) for Mrs. Myers to read and since I have all I can read at present I am leaving it with her until she has finished reading it. I stopped to see her yesterday. She doesn’t get out much in this weather, but did manage a week ago to get to Watseka to have her feet worked on.

[page 2] Haven’t got Dad started on the record cabinet project yet, but will get around to it in the near future. I really need one since my records and albums more than fill the available space in the rack and cabinet of record player. Have been listening to Handel’s Messiah today. It is so beautiful and I can listen to it while I work—(working on the books today.) Just finished taxes yesterday. It is always such a relief to get that chore finished. Let us know if we owe you anything on taking you as a dependent.

Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/01/27/severe-cold-wave/

Long Weekend Vacation

3 Replies

Letter transcription:

January 25, 1965

Dear David & Bonnie:

Yours of the 20^th (you mailed it 23^rd) received today. We have just returned from a long weekend vacation. We left Wednesday evening after attending a stockholders dinner meeting given by the Bank. The dinner was at Sumava and we traveled as far as the Howard Johnson Motel in Lafayette to spend the night. Thursday AM we leisurely traveled to Indianapolis, stopping at Lebanon to see Ruthie. Floyd was busy and we didn’t get to see him. Uncle Jim was gone (on a business trip), but we did see Aunt Thelma. I hope you sent them a thank-you note for their gift. Also I was wondering if you sent Phyllis and Art a thank-you for the Teflon. If you didn’t, I hope you will. Which reminds me, I sent your thongs and the pan lid and also a few little items for Bonnie which I purchased while I was buying some things for myself. Just in case she hasn’t had time to make a blue slip for her knitted dress.

We spent Thurs. and Friday in Indianapolis and saw My Fair Lady, Father Goose, and John Wayne in Cinerama. Saturday morning we left for Champaign and spent the afternoon with John and Lea and Bob. John took us out to dinner then we saw a James Bond – Goldfinger. I wouldn’t advise it for children. We attended the Methodist Church which is located on campus, and heard the Wesley minister. He gave a very interesting sermon about Timothy and St. Paul. He addressed the congregation as Timothy speaking. We visited with John and Bob a while after church—we went to the 11 o’clock service and had eaten at the pancake house at 10 o’clock so we didn’t need any lunch—so started home soon after 1 o’clock (Lea had to work, so wasn’t with us Sunday).

While in Indianapolis we visited the Legislature (it is in session now) and saw Senator Landgrebe. He wanted to know your address so you will probably be hearing from him. I was supposed to attend a Legislative seminar in Indianapolis (for WSCS) Tuesday, but since we had planned to go Wednesday night, I didn’t see how I could make it, so did the next best thing, but visiting the Legislature while in the city. Our Christian Social Concerns committee had met the Sunday before to compose a letter to send to Rep. Hendrix about the gambling bill. The Bishop sent letters to (I suppose) all churches to be read to the congregations urging everyone to write to Rep. or Sen. in opposition to the bill. I didn’t write since we made the trip in person.

I think your grades are not to be looked down upon, but if you are trying for all A’s I hope you succeed next semester. And about the typing—how many times did I try to get you to learn to type correctly? From the looks of this letter I didn’t learn too well myself, but I will blame it on fatigue. That makes me think of something else. We have decided to take a month’s vacation in September and go out through the northwest. I told the girls not long ago that we were going to take a month and of course, expected them to take their vacations at the same time. Arvella said she wants her vacation in July, because they want to go to California. We haven’t mentioned the subject further, but I do not want to work for her and we were wondering if you had any definite plans (Bonnie, that it) as to what you will be doing this summer. Would you want to work in the office two weeks? Of course, if you get a job in Bloomington, that might not work out so well for you to work for us two weeks, but if you think you want to do that, let us know. We have to get a replacement for those two weeks if Arvella is to go in July. We plan to take a month this year and another long vacation in 1966—something like 3 months. It doesn’e look like it is possible to find a young man to come in here, so since Dad doesn’t want to quit work altogether, we will

[page 2] have to take a long vacation every year or two. Let us know what you think about working. John has received a grant and is going to Arizona and Bob thinks he is going to get one and plans to go to Texas for the summer.

Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/01/26/long-weekend-vacation/

Bible Study Class – Genesis

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Letter transcription:

1-12-65

Dear David and Bonnie –

Dad wanted you to read the enclosed article which was in Wall Street Journal.

I sent the finished sleeves for Bonnie’s dress. If you can’t get them joined to your satisfaction, send back the dress and sleeves and I will see what I can do with them.

Dad has the bedroom finished and hasn’t got the fever to make the record holder, so is just loafing around this evening. Tomorrow a.m. I have to conduct a study class for W.S.C.S.—Genesis—I have no idea how many will be present. I have enough literature collected—a text book, Genesis, Beginning of the Biblical Drama, a paper bound Genesis, my anchor Bible, Genesis Abington Commentary, Interpreter’s Vol. 1, The Torah, and Atlas of the Bible, besides a few pamphlets. If every one reads all the literature I have collected for them they should get some idea about what they are supposed to learn. I really would rather not do this, but since I took the course of lectures on Genesis at School of Mission and the Bible Study Class has taken the course, I was asked and I consented.

We had such a nice letter from Nell George thanking us for a pleasant visit. She thinks you and Bonnie—well this is what she wrote—“Meeting David and his lovely wife was a rare treat. I was

[page 2] very impressed with them and know that God will use them in a wonderful way to further his cause in this troubled mixed-up world. I know you must be very proud of him and the way he has chosen.” Dr. George selected some slides of our Bali pictures and I have sent him the duplicates.

I have some filing to dispose of and a few other things to do, so must get to work, since I will be at the church tomorrow a.m. for study group and have a group coming in the afternoon to clean the nursery.

Love Mother

You left your thongs. Do you want them?

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/01/25/bible-study-class-genesis/

Taxes for 1964

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Letter transcription:

Jan. 5 – 1965

Dear David & Bonnie –

I have been figuring taxes today. Sat. I went to Lafayette to have Mr. Huth figure the depreciation schedule and he also advised us to take you as a dependant and pay you the difference which will be small in comparison to what it would cost us not to use you. He also said many people handle the same situation that way. I think the best way is for you to each file separately and have Bonnie just take herself. Let us know how your figures come out. If I knew what each of you had earned I could figure it for you—I have the new schedule in front of me.

I found your ear muffs on the front seat of my car. The ones I gave you were from last year—and probably yours.

We received a long letter from Mac & Louise Sat. They sent us some slides—of the graduation which Bonnie’s mother thought had been sent long ago. Also two of scenes in Malacca.

Time for me to go to the office.

Love Mother

(over)

You should be able to get a tax schedule from Post Office. I picked up our new one at P.O. here.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/01/24/taxes-for-1964/

Dental Appointments

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Letter transcription:

12-12-64

Dear David & Bonnie – After receiving your letter I called Dr. Logan’s office and asked for appointments for you both but Grace didn’t say more than, “I will see what I can do,” so I can’t promise you anything for sure. John Janssen has been washing windows, scrubbing garage floor, front steps, etc. I decided his back is much stronger than mine and I had enough to do with sweeper and dust cloth. I saw J. Ross this a.m. while in grocery store. I was telling her how well you are getting along in school. She said she was sorry she couldn’t report the same for the twins (one at I. U. and the other at Ind. State). However, she indicated they were having a good time – could be one reason for the poor grades. We were told that Stacie didn’t get into the sorority at DePauw she wanted to get into and that she is going to go to Purdue next semester. However that came by grapevine. I talked to her mother last night and the only thing she said that might indicate any trouble was S. would pledge if her grades were right and that she is having trouble with “History of Civilization”—a required course. Since none of our three sons were socially ambitious I can’t be too disturbed about someone not making or achieving a social aim. Hope this weather—it is about 50 today—holds. Hope to see you the 23^rd. Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/01/23/dental-appointments/

Car Accident

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Dec. 2 – 1964

Dear David & Bonnie –

I suppose you have had a request from Rev. Fields for a sermon one Sunday while you are at home for Christmas.

Nov. 21 we went to Chicago and saw Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins then out to Mark’s to spend the night and on Sunday brought Becky home with us. Mark, Shirley, & Kirk came on Wed. John also came home on Wed. Becky really missed Kirk and when they arrived she hardly noticed Mark & Shirley at first (she did give them hugs) but grabbed Kirk by the hand and away they went to see something. Before they arrived she had said she wanted to see her brother.

When John went back to Champaign Sunday his car hit a slick place, skidded and another car hit his car and he had to continue on to Champaign by train, leaving his car at Paxton for repairs. He said when he called us he had his seat belt fastened and he said he wasn’t injured, but the window on the driver’s side was broken and his glasses were knocked off – someone found them on the pavement. I presume from what he said glasses were not broken. I am thankful the accident wasn’t any worse. We haven’t talked to him since Sunday evening. He said he would call if anything developed.

Last night I went to a club meeting held at the Geo. Ade Home by the hospital. Kathleen Funk gave a program about his literary career. He was really an unusual writer and I am afraid much of the population here do not appreciate what a celebrity we had in our midst. The home is being restored but the committee still lacks $5,000.00 to complete the job. Dad thinks it is a good thing for the community to have a reminder of our literary heritage but not enough people care to

[page 2] contribute to the cost of it. Since the home as been restored the Home Committee has had open house several times. Kathleen told me they have had people come from around here – that is I mean around Kentland but that Kentland people had not shown any interest. John Funk has been quite active in getting the home restored.

I saw the tiara on TV this a.m. that the Pope has contributed for the poor of the world. I also learned it was a gesture, it didn’t really mean the tiara is going to be sold. I suppose there could be arguments both ways – but as you once stated when you were learning to make sentences—“In the first place, why did he have a tiara to begin with”—what you said was, “In the first place, why you buy that kind of cheese.” The msgr. On TV this a.m. said there was more than one Papal tiara but this one was given to the Pope by the people of Milan.

My time is fleeting and I am not getting anything done, so must get busy.

Will meet you at the airport Dec. 23 – 8:37 and hope for good weather. Of course you can write any time between now & then. I have decided not to send you pictures of our “Japanese Garden” – since it is just 3 weeks until you will be home you can see it for real.

Love Mother

Found these stamps after you left in June and have intended to send with every letter.

Local News

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Thurs. Nov. 12 – 1964

Dear David & Bonnie –

Yours received. Now let’s hope the weather will be fair Dec. 23.

Yesterday I went to Lafayette and bought evergreens to finish the around the house planting. I drove from Lafayette to Attica and gave a program for W.S.C.S. I showed pictures from Bali. It was guest day so a number of women were in attendance from other towns. Dad got one of the evergreens set out last night. He finished this afternoon. Last week Bill Stenz had his workmen take out the terrace. We have stone all around the house now, so no more weeds to pull. Dad is making stepping stones out of cement at the back living room door. John Janssen is here now cleaning windows. The breaking up of the cement made a lot of dust. Today we had a terrible wind most of the day but by the time John was ready to work the blowing had stopped. This afternoon we made a quick trip to Morocco to get our driver’s license renewed and the fields where corn had been but – along the fences it looked like someone had been decorating for Halloween or a fall festival – the fences were so covered with corn cuttings. It is so dry everywhere – there was a prediction for rain today but so far only wind. We have been watering the new evergreens once a week, but after this fall that shouldn’t be necessary.

I have read about the anchor Bible. The Chicago Tribune had an article about it. I took the paper to Sunday school and showed it to my class. They didn’t seem too impressed, but after reading about it I was quite interested.

I am hoping the whole family will be home for Christmas. Don’t worry about sleeping arrangements – as suggested we can use the motel. If I could find some air mattresses I would make a dorm in the living room.

I have been invited to a shower for Patricia (Cookie) Franklin, who is to be married to Jerry Carlson Dec. 8. I can’t attend the shower since

[page 2] I have to serve on a committee for a vesper circle meeting that evening (next Wednesday). Monday Dad and I are to give a program for Sheldon P.T.A. – Tues. Dad is planning to go to Lafayette to a meeting and I am to entertain a BC class. Wed. afternoon I have promised to give a program for Raub W.S.C.S. and Wed. evening help at Marge Fisher’s for above mentioned meeting. I half way promised to take Mrs. Myers to Lafayette a week from tomorrow.

Howard Fisher was going to Bob Jones College (I think it is in Tenn.) He was expelled. According to what his parents tell I would think he would be glad. He says they have informers and the first rule of the college is “no griping” and if anyone complains about not liking anything there is always an informer around to run and tell and that was what happened to Howard. He talked to his roommate about something and the roommate was one of the “informers” and in a very short time he was called to the office and told to leave immediately.

I saw Janice Ross this week. She and Bill had been to visit Nancy at Indiana State and Sara and a friend had driven from Bloomington (Sara is going to I.U.) to join them. Joy Funk dropped out of Marquette and has applied for work in Peace Corps. Don is going to St. Joe at Rensselaer and according to his mother has settled down. Jim Johnson was home two weeks ago. His mother says he is getting interested in a girl he has met in Midland Michigan. He works for Dow chemical. He has met a Methodist minister who seems to be making quite an impression on Jim. Karen is back at Hanover and so is Margaret Krull. Bob is still at I.U. and Bud Krull is doing graduate work at Harvard.

Dad had to go to the office to take care of an emergency and he wasn’t too happy about it. He as so “fed up” with a certain case one day this week I think he was ready to take off for a prolonged vacation. He just came in and from what he has said it wasn’t much of an emergency.

Love Mother

Will take some pictures all around the house, now that project is finished.

Barry’s Attitude Now

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Nov. 6 – 1964

Dear David and Bonnie –

I called United yesterday and their round trip fare from here to Boston is $106- so the enclosed check for $212.00 should get you here and back.

This afternoon I am going to take Mrs. Myers to the office for a check-up. She said she was feeling so weak and thought she needed some attention. This morning I had to help with a program at the Presbyterian Church – World Community Day – in which all three – Presbyterian, Christian & Methodist churches participated.

The workmen came yesterday and got about half of the terrace removed. They had another job this morning so didn’t get back here. I would rather not be here when the air hammer is at work.

[page 2] We are still having glorious fall weather. There was a heavy frost this morning and heavy fog when I left home at 9 o’clock. These heavy frosts seem to retard the grass growth so Dad hasn’t had to mow for several weeks.

When Dad came home at noon he asked me if I had mailed you a check, so I can say yes the next time he asks. I thought I had better get it in the mail now.

What do you think of Barry’s attitude now? I wish he would go back to his “heaven” and stay there and forget about the Republican party. I am sure there are a number of high ranking Republicans who feel the same way. Did you hear him say he had his “heaven” meaning his home in Phoenix to go back to?

Love Mother